Canton, Ohio (February 1, 2018): Gervasi Vineyard will be expanding Gervasi Village with the addition of a luxury boutique hotel and distillery on the 55-acre estate. The construction of this two-building expansion will begin this spring.

From the concept as a winery in 2010, the large 55-acre estate has grown considerably over the past eight years. The destination resort is built around a state-of-the-art winery currently offering 20+ varietals of wines made on site which includes three estate wines made from grapes grown at Gervasi Vineyard. In addition, Gervasi Village houses three distinct restaurants on the property: The Bistro, The Crush House Wine Bar & Eatery, and The Piazza (seasonal outdoor patio). Two large event spaces were built to host high-end weddings, social functions and corporate events: The Pavilion and The Villa Grande. Guests may stay overnight on the property with the option of two lodging facilities, The Villas and The Farmhouse.

“The addition of a boutique hotel and distillery further exemplifies Gervasi Vineyard as a destination resort,” said Ted Swaldo, Owner/Proprietor of GV Destinations. “To grow strategically, our objective is to listen to our guests and align our business accordingly.”

The hotel and distillery will be built together just across from The Crush House Wine Bar & Eatery on open land currently located on the large estate, specifically on the southwest quadrant. The two new venues will boast a Tuscan-mission style motif and wrap around a European landscaped courtyard to complement the Italian design of the Tuscan-inspired winery and estate.

“We are proud to have grown the Gervasi brand and continue to build Gervasi Village from our Italian heritage”, said Swaldo.

The single-story boutique hotel will host 24 large, luxurious individual suites featuring king-sized beds, fireplaces, heated floors, and other high-end amenities. A covered patio (veranda) will be adjacent to each room, allowing guests to enjoy the picturesque view of the courtyard and pond. The 18,000 sq. ft. structure will feature a shared lobby with an exercise facility for guests. Similar to The Villas, the hotel will offer a gourmet Italian-style continental breakfast delivered to each guest room, as well as deluxe in-room services such as spa treatments, massages and yoga. Guests may order Gervasi wines, specialty foods, and flowers to be delivered to their room.

Once completed, the destination resort will offer a total of 48 luxury suites between the new boutique hotel (name to be announced) and The Villas at Gervasi Vineyard. In addition, The Farmhouse (the original house to the property, circa 1820) also offers accommodations for up to eight guests in four bedrooms, complete with a modern kitchen, large dining room and quaint wrap-around porch facing the spring-fed lake.

“Gervasi Vineyard is a leading example of why one should always dream big,” said Donn Angus, Director of Planning for the City of Canton. “What the Swaldo family has developed in Canton is nothing short of amazing! With the announcement of the future upscale hotel and distillery, I cannot wait to see the completion of these two spectacular venues and the overall community impact. It will certainly prove to be another premiere asset for our fine city.”

Further cementing the position as a destination resort in Ohio, the Swaldo family is adding a 10,000 sq. ft. distillery featuring an extensive line of craft spirits. The expansive structure will showcase high ceilings with an oversized window to view the distillery (similar to view of the winery in The Crush House). A craft cocktail lounge and posh cigar lounge will be featured inside the venue which will overlook the park trails and creek bed. Public and private tours of the distillery will be offered, as well as tasting experiences. The craft distillery will be built adjacent to the south vineyard (in front of the new hotel) and will offer a welcome center for guests.

“We are proud to be one of the first wineries in Ohio to break into the craft distillery market,” said Scott Swaldo, Owner and General Manager of GV Destinations. “There are very few distilleries in Ohio. This provides a great opportunity to expand the demographic into the millennial market and broaden our appeal to consumers seeking a unique experience.”

In anticipation of offering craft cocktails, Gervasi has added a full bar inside The Bistro (the original restaurant to the property which opened in 2010). In The Bistro, an extensive cocktail menu features local craft cocktails among other top shelf spirits to “jump start the experience”. The cocktails are playfully designed and named to fit a “gangster” theme, which is in reference to a shoot-out that took place on the property in 1922.

“Our offering of spirits is still under development, and will certainly evolve. We anticipate beginning with wine barrel-aged Bourbon, Whiskey, Vodka, Gina and select Liqueurs and Brandy, “said Swaldo.

Gervasi Vineyard and the City of Canton are excited to share the development of the two new additions to the estate. “It was important to collaborate with the City of Canton with this project,” said Ted Swaldo. “Canton is home to our family and we are proud to build our family legacy here.”

Gervasi Vineyard is a prime example of how the City of Canton is supporting growth and development of tourism in our backyard. “Gervasi is a first-class destination for locals and tourists for our great city,” said Tom Bernabei, Mayor of Canton. “The current assets – The Bistro, The Crush House, the winery and The Villas – make me proud that Gervasi Vineyard calls Canton home. The addition of the hotel and distillery will be over the top.”

The boutique hotel and distillery are scheduled to be completed in late 2018 or early 2019, with an opening date to be announced.

Press release submitted by:
Nichole Cardinale
Director of Sales & Marketing
Direct: 330.433.2930 / Mobile: 330.265.8665
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